A comprehensive exhibition of Turner plus an incredible eclectic view of art...a must visit if you are in Margate..I will be back!
This has to be one of the best galleries I've visited, and that includes the Tate Britain, V&A, Tate Modern, Royal Academy. What makes it stand out from the rest? It's friendly, approachable, interesting, knowledgeable and welcoming staff. Every person we interacted with made our visit memorable and informative. Can't wait to visit again.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Margate goes upmarket. Was down in Margate for a trip down memory lane and noticed that they had built a Turner Gallery on Margate Harbour. As Margate has to be the most pleb town in Thanet, and that is saying a lot, a Turner Gallery is a bit of an anomaly and to have it endorsed by Tracy (I am full of it) Emmins, adds to it's "local colour".
Add to this the fact that parking is nigh on impossible if you are not A) Disabled or B)Working for the Gallery of C) extremely lucky or have a space by inheritance and anyhow the parking is accessed by negotiating a pavement and scattering pedestrians then it's best to come by bike and hope the locals don't nick it whilst you are dining.
However, the cafe attached to it is reasonably priced food, well cooked and presented and the staff are friendly and helpful.
We had a delightful local crab dish and some mussels (Also local) whilst a younger member of the family had an all day breakfast (HINT - The childrens all day breakfast will fill an adult and you cannot order one for an adult after noon so ask for the child's one!!)
Other people were having toasted goats cheese with an onion relish and even fish and chips but it all looked excellently prepared and served and whilst there I saw no-one complaining. Some French ladies on the table opposite were also remarking in French how surprised they were at Cuisine Anglais!!
Definitely worth another visit, even if it does cost me my bike!
DINNER AT THE TURNER CONTEMPORY CAFE.
(Friday and Saturday only)
The menu changes every week. On my visit I started with the Scallops and Heirloom Tomatoes spiced with Cumin, which worked well. The Tomatoes nicely complimenting the Scallops. We were very lucky on our visit with the weather, which added an extra element to the ambience but I do wonder if the fine dining aspect will survive through the winter months. I really hope the Restaurant gets the support it deserves from the local residents.
..The service levels, presentation and quality of the dishes go far in the process of elevating the gallery cafe to a fine dining establishment. It’s not there yet, but it does have the potential.
Fantastic art gallery for all age group. One of Michael Craig Martin's work is installed in the shop. Tracy Emin's print is available to buy. Definitely worth visiting.
Fantastic gallery in a marvellous location looking over Margate beach. Great exhibition on when we visited. Nice shop too with postcards and art books👍No need to book as FREE entry😀
The place to go to for art lovers, last chance to see Beatriz Milhazes exhibition which ends on the 10 of September 2023. It is a squeaky clean venue, well organised, cheerful and cultural. Make sure to have a word with the available staff, they have a wealth of information on everything arty. Only reason for the 4 not 5 stars is the limited amount of exhibits. Suggestion, give a permanent space for local artists, you won’t regret it.
I've been to the Turner Contemporary many times, often with my daughter. It's always been a wonderful artistic experience. The penultimate visit included a crazy animated silver alien that seemed to track you as you walked around the room with its neck and eyes.
This time a brilliant show of the work of Beatriz Milhazes, a Brazilian artist. The works take over five galleries, and given space, they shine.
I'm never disappointed when I visit. Free, but worth donating, or buying from the shop. Great rebooted cafe as well.
It's a beautiful building and the cafe and shop are both fab but I'll admit I was pretty underwhelmed by the collection. I'm not sure if we visited on a bad day but the whole gallery seem to be given over to one exhibit (Brazilian contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes). Whilst this was a good exhibition, I was left a bit disappointed there was no permanent collection of local art 😕
The Turner Contemporary Gallery is a lovely place to visit. The staff were helpful and friendly. The environment was chilled and relaxing. It's worth a visit. Three of my favourite pieces viewed.
Loved the gallery. Our granddaughter really enjoyed it and especially enjoyed the workshop where you could design a fish for the carnival float last Sunday. Very friendly staff and lots of craft bits and pieces to chose from, very impressed.
I now know less that I did about contemporary art than before I went in. Really lovely staff, very welcoming. Spotlessly clean. Just not an awful lot to see. Quite a bit of the space lies empty. THE thing to do in Margate though and glad I went. The sculpture at sea was the highlight.
Would visit again for sure. Spacious, not too big, encourages art for kids by having a seperate room that parents can sit and chill whilst kids create. The exhibition in question (Beatriz) was so good, well curated and flowed nicely. DJ added to the vibe and being in Margate in the summer helped make the trip pleasent.
What a unique and distinctive space , with a fabulous collection and beautiful architecture, the cafe and kids room are amazing - worth a visit !
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Margate
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes